Racing Around: Rain alters area racing schedule

June 20, 2013

Mother Nature again found a way to throw a monkey wrench into the works of the local racing community.

Rain forced the postponement of Tuesday's Dirty Jersey 60 at New Egypt Speedway, moving the Super DIRTcar Series event to Wednesday opposite Fonda Speedway's midweek race featuring the inaugural visit by the World of Outlaw Late Models and big block modified races.

Of course several modified drivers, including Dirty Jersey co-promoter Stewart Friesen, who normally would have been on hand at Fonda, stayed in New Jersey.

Fonda still drew a field of 26 cars but included sportsman drivers Mark Mortensen, Rocky Warner and Jeremy Pitts in the open show along with invaders Pat Ward and Keith Flach.

The postponement also gave 2011 modified track champion Ronnie Johnson an opportunity to try his hand at the wheel of a late model.

Friesen was originally scheduled to drive a second car out of Chub Frank's stable of late models. Johnson was given the opportunity with Friesen in New Jersey.

It didn't take long for the third-generation driver to adjust as he turned the sixth fastest lap in time trials for the World of Outlaws with a time of 19.566 (91.996 mph). Car owner Frank was just a tick faster with a fifth-fastest lap of 19.561 (92.020 mph).

Rick Eckert time-trialed fastest for the WoO Late Models with his lap of 18.784 (95.826 mph). On a side note, Danny Varin turned a lap of 19.408 (92.745 mph) during modified warm-ups.

Johnson started on the outside pole in the third qualifier and qualified to start 12th in the 50-lap A-main. Johnson ran 10 laps and collected a 21st place finish in the 24-car field.

Tim McCreadie picked up the late model victory Wednesday at Fonda Speedway, putting him in the track's Victory Lane for a third time (two big block wins, one late model).

However, a big round of cheers went up from the large crowd of Fonda Fans when he coaxed his legendary father, "Barefoot" Bob McCreadie to join him in the celebration.

Barefoot Bob has four feature wins, all extra distance, at the Track of Champions with the last coming on Oct. 30, 1993.

"He doesn't get too many races with me, so it is special to win with him here tonight," T-Mac said. "He has been helping my little brother, Jordan, who is here tonight too. They race Evans Mills on pavement and Frogtown on Fridays. So anytime I can get him around it helps keep me calm and focused."

Meet and greet

Glen Ridge Motorsports Park will host an on-track Meet and Greet Friday night along with the addition of the vintage class to the night's race card.